James Kirkland who has been in custody by police since being arrested on a weapons violation on Sunday, as of Tuesday is now in the custody of federal authorities to face a gun-possession charge. Kirkland is scheduled to fight Michael Walker on the Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton card which is set for May 2nd.

According to published reports, Kirkland was arrested Sunday by the Austin police in conjunction with U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents. Federal court documents indicate that Kirkland was found with a loaded .40-caliber Glock pistol in the center console of his vehicle, a Cadillac. Kirkland who has been on probation for armed robbery that was committed back in 2003, was then charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Furthermore, according to court documents, the arrest which happened on Sunday came after Federal Agents doing surveillance the Saxet Gun Show (Austin, Texas) watched Kirkland hand over some cash to his girlfriend who in turn used the money to purchase .40-caliber ammunition.

Police are alleging that Kirkland purchased the pistol a day earlier at the gun show for $525 and returned Sunday to buy another, only this time was turned down by a seller. ATF agents report they followed Kirkland's Cadillac, driven by his girlfriend at high speeds from the gun show.

The court papers also say that Kirkland was about to lose his probation in connection with another case. In that case, Kirkland is suspected of throwing a .45-caliber Ruger pistol underneath a vehicle.